By Erik Engelhart

Photo Josh Hedges

Coming from four victories in a row by knock out, the last over Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, the Brazilian Junior “Cigano” is conquering his space on UFC. Scheduled to face Gabriel “Napão” on UFC 108, on January 2nd, Cigano had to change focus, as Napão was victim of an infection. Ex fighter of Pride, Gilbert Yvel was chosen to Brazilian’s place, what, in certain way, surprised Cigano, but didn’t worry the though guy.

“I was training to fight with Napão, but happened that he couldn’t fight so they putted Gilbert Yvel, who’s a very though guy, he’s coming from victory by knock out in front of Pedro Rizzo and has a very good Muay Thai”, said the fighter, who can still show an unknown side to UFC fans. “I think that his weak spot is the ground. We’ve trained to make a work with intelligence and a good fight and I’m training a lot on the ground, but I won’t want to take it down soon, I’ll want to feel the fight standing up... I know that he’s good but I believe in me and I know that I can represent danger standing up“.

Prepared to a battle, Cigano trains with all. “It’s gonna be a great fight and if he’s prepared it’s gonna be a war, because I’m with Rogério training with Bahia’s fighters. I’ll be prepared to this fight. We never know how it’s gonna end, but I’ll try the knock out, that’s what I like to do. I’ll exchange with him“, finished the though guy, suffering with the summer coming in Brazil. “It’s very hot, very hot (laughs)“.